NO PLAYS EXCHANGED 



Bugbee's Popular Plays 



4 'Following the 
Stars and Stripes" 



By 
WILLIS N. BUGBEE 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



The Willis N. Bugbee Co. 

SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



TWO DECIDED NOVELTIES 
FOR THE PRIMARY CHILDREN 



THE MIDGETS' GRAND PARADE 

A delightful pageant of little drills, marches, songs, and 
pantomimes for the tiny tots. Introduces Mayor, Selectmen, 
Band, Firemen, Trades-people, Suffragettes, etc., of Midget 
Town, all in characteristic costume. Time, 30 minutes. Price 
25 cents. 



THE FUNNY LITTLE FOOD FOLKS 

A novelty entertainment for children. For five boys and 
four girls or more. Prof. Heideldorfer gives his lecture on 
pure foods and the Funny Little Food Folks appear unex- 
pectedly and give amusing songs. Easy to get up. Nothing 
like it on the market. Time, about 30 minutes. Price 25 cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 

OCT -2 1917 



Bugbee's Popular Plays 



"Foil 



OWlIij 



th 



e 



Stars and Stripes" 



by 
WILLIS N. BUGBEE 

Author of "Closing Day at Beanville School," "Hiram and 

the Peddlers," "Coonville 'Ristocrat Club," "Jolly 

Dialogues," "Humorous Homespun Dialogues," 

"Merry Little Dialogues," "Uncle Ephraim's 

Summer Boarders," etc., etc. 



THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



jM^ 



*£* 



Following the Stars and Stripes 



X 



FOLLOWING THE STARS AND STRIPES 

Instructions 

This entertainment may be presented either indoors or out 
of doors with as large a cast as desired. It may be presented 
by either small children or older people and may be made 
very simple or very elaborate according to the specialties in- 
troduced. A variety of tableaux, songs, drills, etc., may be 
added if desired. 

The music for all or part of the entertainment may be fur- 
nished by piano or orchestra. In some cases martial music 
will be better if possible to provide it. 

The costumes should be characteristic of the period or 
nationality or people represented. 

A red or ruby light may be produced by use of red bulbs 
for electric lights, or by placing a cylinder of thin red paper 
about a lamp globe. 

The tunes, "Just a Bit of Cloth But It's Red, White and 
Blue," "Here's to the Land of the Stars and the Stripes," 
"Old Glory," and the music and directions for "A Colonial 
Minuet" may be obtained of the publishers of this book at 
25 cents each. 

It is suggested that the pageant be introduced or preceded 
by a short flag recitation such as Wilbur D. Nesbit's "Your 
Flag and My Flag." This should be recited by a little girl 
holding a U. S. flag. Following this may be given an original 
history of the flag, describing the "Rattlesnake Flag," the 
"Pine Tree Flag," the "Union Flag," the incidents leading up 

®CI.D 47986 



Following the Stars and Stripes 3 

to and surrounding the making of the first "stars and stripes/' 
the occasion for writing the "Star Spangled Banner," etc. 

THE SOLILOQUY 

Betsy Ross is discovered sitting at rear of stage, either on 
stage level or upon a slightly raised platform, and is engaged 
in sewing stars upon a flag — the flag designed by General 
Washington. 

As the curtain is drawn a chorus behind the scenes sing either 
of the following songs: "There Are Many Flags In Many 
Lands," or "Just a Bit of Cloth But It's Red, White and 
Blue." The second stanza of the latter song is very appro- 
priate, beginning as follows: 

"When Betsy Ross sat in her easy arm-chair 

And sewed the white stars in their places, 
She little could know how their number would grow 

And rest in the blue fold's embraces." 

(At the close of the song the soliloquy begins.) 
Betsy (to herself as she works upon the flag). 
It is indeed a great mission that General Washington has 
entrusted into my hands this day — the task of making the first 
flag of a new nation — of a nation yet to be. Here are thirteen 
stripes of red and white — one for each of the colonies, and 
here are the same number of stars set in a field of blue. I 
am wondering, as I sew them on, if in years to come their 
numbers will increase. I am wondering if its colors will al- 
ways stand for purity and loyalty and bravery, as the good 
General Washington intends they shall. I wish that I might 



4 Following the Stars and Stripes 

look ahead into the future ages and behold the scenes over 
which this glorious flag shall float. My earnest prayer is that 
it may be the emblem of a free and loyal people and that 
it may always lead them on to victory. 

(A slight pause follows. She appears to fall asleep. Soft 
music is played on the piano — any patriotic air or medley of 
patriotic airs. The lights may be gradually changed from 
white to red.) 

THE PAGEANT 

(Enter Minutemen at left) 

MlNUTEMEN. 

Behold the "Boys of 76," 

The Minutemen are we, 
The first defenders of the flag — 

Of the banner of the free. 

(A portion or all of (f Concord Hymn' may be recited.) 

(The Minutemen step to right as the Daughters of 
Liberty enter at left.) 

Daughters of Liberty — 

We are the "Dames of 76," 

No one could braver be; 
We did our share to win the fight 

For life and liberty. 

Ah, those were strenuous times for us, 
Those days well ne'er forget. 



Following the Stars and Stripes 5 

MlNUTEMEN — 

But after all some mirth we had 
As we danced the minuet. 

Dames — 

Ah, yes, the minuet! 

(All join in dancing the minuet. At the conclusion of the 
dance all pass from stage at right. The music changes,) 



(Enter soldiers of 1812) 



Soldiers — 



We fought in the War of 1812 

For American rights on the sea, 
And once again the stars and stripes 

Led us to victor}-. 

The names of Perry and Jackson and Ross 

You have often heard before, 
And of Lundy's Lane and New Orleans, 

And the siege of Baltimore. 

(The boys take position at right. Enter Dames of 1812 
dressed in the costume of the time. They carry large U. S. 
flag. Standing at the left, they sing first stanza of "Star 
Spangled Banner, the boys joining in chorus. The lights 
may be lowered and a tableau presented, if desired. All pass 
off at right. Voices off stage at left are heard singing, "We 
Are Coming, Father Abraham." Enter Volunteers at left,) 



6 Following the Stars and Stripes 

Volunteers — 

We are the loyal Volunteers, 

The "Boys of '61," 
From Gettysburg and Vicksburg, too, 

And the battles of Bull Run. 

(They pass to right. A trembling voice off stage cries, — 
"Shoot if you must this old gray head, but spare your country's 
flag, I say" Enter Barbara Frietchie, hobbling on cane 
and carying an old torn flag.) 

Barbara— 

I'm Barbara Frietchie, as you may guess, 

I'm old and bent and gray, 
But I'll preserve this old worn flag 

No matter what's to pay. 

(She stands at left. Boys join in singing, "Just Before 
the Battle, Mother" All pass off at right. Music changes 
to any present-day army march, martial music if possible. 
Enter soldiers. They march about the stage and form in line 
at front.) 

Soldiers — 

We are the sturdy soldier boys, 

The defenders of our land; 
You may place your faith in us every time 

When the enemy's at hand. 

A short military drill may be presented here, the captain 
giving orders as follows: 

Attention ! 



Following tke Stars and Stripes 7 

Salute ! 

Carry Arms! (Each holds gun vertically in right hand, 
stock downward.) 

Present Arms! (Raise left hand quickly, grasp gun barrel 
and carry gun to position directly in front of body, holding 
it perpendicular at arm's length.) 

Carry Arms! 

Order Arms! (Grasp barrel of gun with left hand, remov- 
ing it quickly as the gun is lowered to floor. Guns should all 
strike floor at once.) 

Carry Arms! 

Port Arms! (Hold gun diagonally in front of body with 
barrel pointing over left shoulder. Hold with left hand above 
the right.) 

Carry Arms! 

Make Ready! (Hold gun obliquely, left hand grasping 
barrel, right hand at trigger.) 

Take Aim/ 

Fire! (Snap trigger and shout "Boom!") 
Carry Arms! 

Shoulder Arms! , 

Right Face ! 
Forward, March! 

(All march about stage, halting at right. Enter sailors, 
left.) 



Following the Stars and Stripes 



Sailors- 



We are the gallant sailor boys, 

The fighters of the sea, 
And we'll protect the stars and stripes 
Wherever our ships may be. 
(They march about stage taking position at left. Enter 
Red Cross maids taking position at center front.) 

x Rear x 
Ax x B 

X X X X X X 

x C x 

Front 

A, soldiers; B, sailors; C, Red Cross maids. 

Maids — 

We are the Red Cross maids, you see, 

So patient, gentle, true; 
To bind the wounds of these noble lads 

Is the work we have to do. 

(All join in singing (f Red, White and Blue." At the close 
of the song, the Soldiers circle about the stage, followed by the 
Sailors, the Red Cross Maids falling in at rear, and all 
marching off at right.) 

(Enter Farmer Boys to the tune of e( Yankee Doodle") 

Boys — 

We are the men who till the soil, 

And a mighty force are we, 
For we furnish the food for millions of folks 
In this land of liberty. 



Following the Stars and Stripes 9 

(Enter Farmer Girls) 
Girls — 

We are the buxom farmer girls, 

Our cheeks with health aglow, 
For country life is the healthiest life 

That anyone can know. 
Both — 

And if we have health 'tis the truest wealth ; 

We can better patriots be — 
Then who have a better right to sing 

Of the stars and the stripes than we? 

(Sing any good farm or patriotic song. Exit right. A 
sound of school or college yell is heard off stage at left. A 
college air is played as boys and girls enter.) 

College Boys — 

Rah! Rah! Rah! for the college boys! 
School Girls — 

Hurrah for the school girls too ! 

All — 

Well all hurrah for the stars and stripes, 
To its colors we'll prove true. 

(College or school song may be given. Exit right.) 
(Enter Boy Scouts) 
Scouts — 

We are a band of loyal scouts 
We're ready to do or dare; 
Whatever may be our country's needs 
We're bound to do our share. 



10 Following the Stars and Stripes 

(Take position at right as Camp Fire Girls enter at left. 
The latter give call "Wohelo!") 
Girls — 

Oh, we are the jolly Camp Fire Girls, 

We, too, will do our part; 
We'll serve our country and our flag 
With willing hands and heart. 
(A short flag drill may be given by the Scouts and Camp 
Fire Girls, after which all march off at right.) 

(Enter Emigrants from various countries dressed in their 
native costumes. A medley of foreign national airs may be 
played as they enter. All recite or sing the following from 
"Here's to the Land of the Stars and the Stripes.") 

"This banner has gathered from every clime 

The people who long to be free, 
From Europe and Asia and Africa, too, 

And the islands far over the sea ; 
It offers a promise, a home and a hope 

To all who are sorely oppressed — 
A chance to make good as a man among men 

In this glorious land of the West. 

Then here's to the land of the stars and the stripes! 

Oh, here's to the land of the free! 
With its rocks and its rills and its acres so broad 

That stretch from the plains to the sea. 
Oh, here's to the land of the glorious West! 

Where dear Uncle Sammy holds sway. 
We'll live and we'll cheer and we'll fight for it, too, 

We'll stand by its colors for aye." 



Following the Stars and Stripes 11 

(All march off right. Enter mechanics, etc.) 
Woodman — 

Now hail to the men who chop the trees! 
Miners — 

To the men who dig in the mine! 
Mechanics — 

To the men who toil at the bench all day! 
Ranchmen — 

And the ones who tend the kine ! 

(Enter girls) 
Mill Girls — 

We are the girls who work in the mills. 
Housewives — 

And we are the housewives trim. 
Society Maids — 

And we are the ones who fuss and fix — 

Society maids so prim. 
All — 

But all of us love the stars and stripes, 

To its colors well all be true, 
And all together the praises we'll sing 
Of the Red, the White and the Blue. 

("Old Glory' is suggested as a good closing song, price 25 
cents.) 

"Flag of America, beautiful banner, 

Emblem of Liberty, flag of the free! 
Greetings we bring thee in right royal manner, 
Paeans of vict'ry we sing unto thee! 




12 Following the Stars and Stripes 

Flag of a Washington, honored in story, 
Flag that a Warren fell to defend; 

Flag that a Sherman christened "Old Glory," 
Under which Grant fought it out to the end. 

Chorus 

Then wave on! wave on! wave on, Old Glory! 

Float on forever o'er land and o'er sea! 
From Ocean to Ocean repeat the glad story, 

Till every nation on earth shall be free." 
Curtain. 



Tableau 
At least one from each of the various groups should be 
represented in the final tableau. No definite arrangement is 
given for grouping as it all depends upon the size of stage. 
Betsy Ross of course occupies the rear center (elevated) hold- 
ing aloft the finished flag; Minutemen, soldiers, and sailors 
standing close to rear; school boys and girls, scouts and camp- 
fire girls sitting at front; others grouped between in sitting, 
kneeling and standing postures. Soft music by piano. Either 
red tableau light may be used or a succession of red, white 
and blue lights. 

Curtain. 



OTHER GOOD PATRIOTIC SONGS 

America For Me , $ .35 

Is There Any Better Country Than The U. S. A.? 25 

America, My Homeland 25 

The U. S. A. Will Find a Way 25 

She Wears a Cross Upon Her Sleeve 25 

Wrap Me in the Dear Old Flag, Boys 25 

My Own America, I Love But Thee 25 

The Little Soldier and the Red Cross Maid 25 



& 



TWO SPLENDID NEW PLAYS 
HIRAM AND THE PEDDLERS 

A farce in one act by Willis N. Bugbee. For five males and 
two females. Hiram agrees to look after the peddlers while 
his sister Jane attends to her baking, and the way he gets 
taken in is a caution. All ends well, however. Pat, the hired 
man, and Deacon Pettingill furnish considerable comedy. 
Time, 30 minutes. Price 25 cents. 



THE COONVILLE 'RISTOCRAT CLUB 

A negro entertainment in one act by Willis N. Bugbee. For 
six males and six females. Represents a weekly meeting of 
the 'Ristocrat Club. One of the few negro plays that is en- 
tirely free from all vulgarity. Suitable for school, church or 
society. Admits of specialties. Time, one hour. Price 25 cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




017 400 516 3 



THE IDEAL COMMENCEMENT PLAY 
"SOME CLASS" 

By Edith F. A. U. Painton, author of "Commence- 
ment Manual," Crimson and the Blue," "The Dear 
Boy Graduates," Etc. 

A splendid new play by an author of wide ex- 
perience, and in this play she is at her best. 

This play takes the class through the whole four 
years of high school life, depicting familiar scenes 
therein — class elections, games, etc. It is a play 
of the first class, extremely well written, and full 
of good healthy humor. Easy to present. Plays 
one hour and forty minutes. Six males, nine 
females. Price 35 cents. 



CLOSING DAY AT BEANVILLE 
SCHOOL 

A play for intermediate grades by Willis N. 
Bugbee. For seven boys and eight girls. One 
of the most popular of the grade plays. Just the 
kind of play that teachers and pupils and parents 
all like. Easy to produce. No scenery required. 
Time, 30 minutes. Price 25 cents. 

THE WILLIS N. BUGBEE CO. 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 

Mebcantile Pbess, 345 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, N. Y. 



t 



